As the dust settles on a key procedural deadline for this session’s batch of budget bills, it’s become apparent that House Democrats may play a key role in scuttling one of the most progressive parts of Gov. Greg Gianforte’s proposed state budget — a $1,200-per-child tax credit. While the governor maintains that the tax credit — a key piece of what he calls his conservative, pro-family budget — can still be revived if Democrats get on board, the initial bill to implement it is now sunk, with Democrats saying Republicans haven’t given enough ground to Democratic bills tackling housing, childcare and mental health.
